Indonesia and China are strengthening cooperation in developing a domestic artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem through the establishment of an AI laboratory called the AI Application Cooperation Center, initiated by Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat), the Indonesia Technology Alliance (ITA), and China's Tsinghua University.
The announcement of the collaboration was made at the China-ASEAN AI Ministerial Roundtable 2025 in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China, last week. This collaboration not only strengthens AI cooperation between the two countries but also paves the way for the formation of a dynamic Indonesian AI ecosystem, encouraging innovation, producing world-class talent, and strengthening Indonesia's position as a regional leader in the digital economy.
The focus of this collaboration lies in the practical application of AI in strategic sectors such as education, health, and food security, which are priority areas for long-term development and digital inclusion in Indonesia.
The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Nezar Patria appreciated this collaboration, while calling this partnership an important step towards a new technological era in Indonesia.
"By combining expertise and resources, we can accelerate the adoption of AI in Indonesia while contributing to technological progress, not only in the region, but also at the global level," said Nezar, as quoted from his official statement released by Indosat.
Meanwhile, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison CEO Vikram Sinha said the collaboration with ITA and Tsinghua University aims to provide AI solutions that are applicable and tailored to Indonesia's needs, while also preparing AI talents in the country.
ITA Chairman Justisiari P. Kusumah said that this collaboration will encourage the development of AI in Indonesia that is inclusive, impactful, and in line with the country's long-term aspirations. ITA is an Indonesian government initiative born from a collaboration between Komdigi and the Indonesian Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises to accelerate technological innovation and digital progress in the country.
Internationally, Tsinghua University is considered the most prestigious Chinese university according to the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, where the university is ranked eighth globally and first in the Asia-Pacific.
